The Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm offered chemistry classes to its first classes in 1869. The department was formally established in 1871, and served students in Agriculture, Engineering, Science, Home Economics and Veterinary Medicine. The Chemical and Physical Laboratory was constructed in 1870-1871, and after it burned in 1913, a new building, Chemistry Hall, was built to replace it. Department Chair, Winfred Coover (1914-1944) expanded the teaching system and emphasized independent research throughout World War I and the post-war period. With the advent of the Ames Laboratory and World War II, the Chemistry Department further developed its cutting edge and interdisciplinary research programs in addition to its teaching. In 1973, Chemistry Hall was renamed Gilman Hall, in honor of Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Henry Gilman. The Department also has laboratories, classrooms and offices in Hach Hall. The Chemistry Department is now part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University, and also frequently partners with the Ames Laboratory.